The snooze button, often associated with disruptions in sleep and cognitive function, might not be as detrimental as previously believed. A recent study conducted by researchers from Stockholm University has unveiled potential advantages of hitting that snooze button, shedding light on how it can aid the process of waking up and enhance alertness.
For individuals grappling with the grogginess of early mornings, this new perspective on snoozing brings hope. The results of the study suggest that snoozing might be more beneficial than harmful in certain circumstances.
The First Study: Unveiling the Snoozing Patterns
The researchers at Stockholm University embarked on their investigation by acknowledging that little was known about the common practice of snoozing. To unravel the intricacies of this habit, they conducted two comprehensive studies, the findings of which have been published in the Journal of Sleep Research.
The initial study aimed to identify the demographic patterns of individuals who regularly hit the snooze button. By collecting responses from 1,732 participants through questionnaires, researchers discovered that younger adults and night owls were more prone to snoozing. Tina Sundelin, a sleep researcher at Stockholm University, emphasized that the most prevalent reason for snoozing was simply feeling too tired to get out of bed. Some respondents even described it as a “luxurious” extension of their morning reprieve. The study showed that, on average, individuals who snooze tend to sleep slightly less and wake up feeling groggier compared to those who don’t.
However, the study also revealed that snoozing did not have any adverse effects on factors such as cortisol release, morning fatigue, mood, or overall sleep quality during the night.
The Second Study: Evaluating the Impact on Cognitive Performance
In the second part of the study, researchers delved deeper into how snoozing affected cognitive performance. They invited 31 regular snoozers to a sleep lab for two nights to analyze their sleep patterns more closely. The study aimed to differentiate between uninterrupted sleep and waking up immediately versus waking up half an hour earlier and indulging in a snooze before getting out of bed.
Surprisingly, researchers found that snoozing resulted in only a marginal reduction in total sleep duration, an average of just six minutes. Most participants managed to obtain substantial rest during that half-hour interval, despite the interruptions. Crucially, no participant had to awaken from deep sleep during the snooze, and those who snoozed exhibited slightly improved cognitive performance immediately after waking up.
Subsequently, the study participants engaged in a battery of cognitive tests, including math and memory assessments. Intriguingly, despite the interruptions caused by snoozing, there was no substantial difference in the participants’ reported fatigue levels, nor did their performance on the tests suffer negatively. In fact, participants occasionally performed slightly better in some tests after snoozing, leading to the conclusion that the effects of snoozing are generally benign.
Tina Sundelin, the lead researcher, explained the implications of these findings, suggesting that individuals who find it helpful to snooze as a means of easing into their day need not be overly concerned. She emphasized, “If you’re snoozing and feel like it’s helping you, it seems like there isn’t much reason to stop doing it, as long as you are getting enough sleep before.”
However, Sundelin also noted a crucial caveat, stating, “It’s important to remember that the study only included people who are regular snoozers and find it easy to go back to sleep after each alarm.” In essence, the benefits of snoozing may vary depending on individual sleep patterns and preferences.
In light of these findings, the snooze button, once regarded with skepticism, may hold a place in morning routines for those who find solace in its gentle interruption.
